The Interplay of Interactional Goals, Cultural Norms, and Impression Management Strategies in Delta State Courtroom Discourse

Abstract

This study examines the interplay of interactional goals, cultural norms, and impression management strategies in Delta State courtroom interactions. It is a qualitative research that explores the social exchange involved in the courtroom. Its data, drawn from audio recordings of High Court proceedings in Delta State, are transcribed using Jefferson's (2004) standard transcription system. By employing the theoretic framework of Rapport Management (RM) and the notion of Impression Management (IM), the study analyses the impression management techniques that courtroom participants deploy to achieve desired goals. The influencing role of cultural norms in terms of how they determine the IM strategy choice is also explored. The findings reveal that the deployment of IM strategies earns interactants the achievement or unrealisation of interactional goals. Interactants often express emotions of anger and frustration when their interactional goals are not realised through various forms, such as, heightened speech, emphasised words or repetition of specific utterances, and statements of disagreements. Cultural norms sometimes inform courtroom practices like the opening formalities and general conduct of participants; they also influence participants’ choice and use of IM tactics. The study concludes that judicial rulings are influenced by an interplay of diverse impressions that are created in the courtroom interaction through different IM strategies, influenced by certain cultural norms, aimed at achieving desired interactional goals.